The spaces we live in shape not only our daily experiences but also our emotional well-being. Nowhere is this more important than in a hospital. And yet, as Jacques Herzog, co-founder of Herzog & de Meuron poignantly observes, "Hospitals all over the world, even in Switzerland, are often the ugliest places."

His firm is determined to change that. This vision has been beautifully realized at the University Children's Hospital Zürich. The architects set out to show that thoughtful design can have a profound impact on well-being and recovery, and early reports suggest they have succeeded in creating a space that feels familiar, welcoming, and far less intimidating for young patients and their families.

Every detail has been carefully crafted to nurture a sense of comfort and calm. Natural light fills the rooms, offering views of the outside world. Biophilic design connects patients to nature, while the scale and proportions of each space are intentionally designed to feel warm and human. Perhaps most notably, the generous use of wood—gentle to the eye and comforting to the touch—makes the hospital feel more like a home than an institution.

Common spaces and laboratories were designed to foster collaboration, while patient rooms provide a sense of individuality and dignity, ensuring that each child feels seen, valued and safe. Each is an individual wooden cottage, each with its own roof.

More, please.

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